The paternity leave initiative

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE HEALTHY debate on paternity leave is out and interesting. As usual, some persons will speak without the benefit of data or from a clannish point of view, while others will reason scientifically.

Data, as well as practical experience, though, are in support of the initiative. In this regard, two things come to mind:

1. It is instructive that even without legislation, some of our leading private-sector institutions have already implemented paternity leave and are benefiting from the resultant maturity of the men who have participated in the initiative. Generally speaking, our procreational culture would have men siring more children than they can or care to support. I believe that the paternity leave initiative will bring sobriety to family relationships.

2. Second, data is available that posits that in countries that institute paternity leave laws, a number of beneficial spin-offs accrue to include that participating men: a) want fewer children; b) want monogamous relationships; and c) are more caring and protective of not only their children but of children generally.

Those who argue against paternity leave must consider that it is unlikely that the law can make paternity compulsory; it is unlikely that more than one paternity leave with pay will be granted per year; and paternity leave will be made available to unmarried men as not all couples want to tie the knot.